The eyes open from a deep, dream filled sleep,
Dreams of joys and wonders that had filled his life.
His life’s work, now at an end, work he had enjoyed,
But now completed, leaving time for complete relaxation.
Time to do the things he wants and wanted.
The things that became rushed while at work,
Now able to be done with ease, and time to spare.
That time for a gentle stroll in the park,
Enjoying the open space but filled with children’s laughter.
The café by the River where he stops for coffee,
Looking at the water, gently gliding by.
The slow walk around the town,
Looking in shops, talking to friends he meets on the way,
No hurry to get away, no pressure.
Lunch beckons, so into the pub he goes,
A place where he is known as a gentle soul
Who has time for everybody, and his company enjoyed by all.
A pint, maybe two, to wash down a simple repast.
Chatting to and laughing with friends.
Lunch over so back home for a rest.
Changed into comfortable relaxing clothes
Music fills the air as he settles down to read.
The rest changes to a short nap.
Awaking again the music still a joy,
He listens to the notes entering his mind,
So relaxed, so happy.
Unhurriedly, he gets himself ready;
Tonight, dinner and the Opera,
With a lady friend, no ties
Just pure unalloyed friendship of many years.
An evening of good food, friendship and Verdi.
He parts from her at her door and slowly walks home;
Enjoying the stars shining down on this happy man.
A man of infinite leisure.
-
Author:
Goldfinch60 (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: March 23rd, 2017 02:26
- Comment from author about the poem: This is the first of two poems that I have written but with differing endings, the other one I will put up tomorrow
- Category: Reflection
- Views: 62
Offline)
Comments9
And now in retirement you have so much to do, you don't know how you found time to go to work? as some say!
Mind you it would be good to go back to work for a rest.
You cover retirement of this retired man very well here my friend - - as a bit of a workaholic "infinite leisure" time sounds scary to me but at least your subject is happy.. Great read.
Thank you Fay, the one I am putting up tomorrow ends differently.
Thanks GF for sharing a very positive and optimistic view of retirement. It does imply that the retiree had good health and sufficient excess income to wine and dine a Lady and mentally alert enough to enjoy a Classical Music Concert ~ VERDI no less. He also seems to still be attractive to the Ladies ~ He is fun and fancy free ! I am sure that this is true of a few and it makes retirement seem like Shangri La ! PLEASE PLEASE don't post tomorrow's and burst the enticing bubble you have blown in this poem. Thanks for caring and sharing ~ BRIAN. Please check my poem today ~ a tribute to JULIAN & MPS ~ Thanks B
I must post the other one tomorrow. Thank you for your comment.
Great poem. Nearing the age of retirement myself i am quite envious. I have a taste of it at the moment as am off work ill for some months. (the poem's nearly ready to post so beware!)
You've offered a very happy, hopeful poem, wonder how the next one will fare. Waiting in eager anticipation.
Thank you Gary, tomorrow I will tell the story of how these to came to be written.
Well I retired some 8 years ago and am continually on the go looking forward to what I can achieve etc - it's now 10.15am here in the UK and I've been into town to do some shopping at the supermarket and picked up 5 paintings from my framers - they look good. I've now got the rest of the day to write more and finish a painting in the studio as well as keeping an eye on MPS. love Verdi, health just given a full check and all bits working okay, all's well with the world !! And all's well with this poem - looking forward to tomorrows version.
Hi Michael, I too am in the UK and have been retired for 5 years in June. Each day is wonderful in spite of my wife's ill health. Love music and have seen many of Verdi's operas and have recordings of them all (and Puccini, Mozart et al).
Tomorrows version will give a different perspective and I will say how they came about.
Thank you for your comments.
Good poem Goldfinch, a gentleman's gentleman! Bravo! I find retirement just more work but without the pay?
Thank you WW.
I would like to go back to work for a rest.
I hear ya!
great thoughts,i will have to work till i pass on,lol
Thank you wordman, in one way I am fortunate in being retired but it gets so busy sometimes.
Ha Ha. Great points from you both and great write!
Thank you very much WBL.
Reading Finch, you’re constantly assailed by the notion that he is writing down what you have always known, except that you’ve never thought of it before. This is highly unnerving; fortunately, you’re usually too busy smiling like crazy. I can think of no finer poem to have beside me while land masses implode and sea floors explose, while the world ends.
Thank you Lamar, most kind.
To be able to comment and rate this poem, you must be registered. Register here or if you are already registered, login here.